Thursday, May 22, 2008

All Times And In Every Situation

However, some of the believers . . . began speaking to the Grecians about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number . . . believed and turned to the Lord.~ Acts 11:20-21

Our seventeen member mission team is scheduled to leave for Bulgaria tomorrow evening. Once in Bulgaria I will deliver God's Word through a translator to a community in Sophia and then another community in Samakov. We understand Samakov to be one of the poorest places in Europe, and that the spiritual poverty there is even greater. The entire team knows how important it is that we lean on God's strength and seek His purposes for our ministry there. In Bulgaria we will be staying in the homes of Gypsy families who have come to know Christ. The sense of privilege and responsibility that comes with God extending an invitation to join His kingdom purposes there is indescribable. Following God is such an unpredictable Adventure.

In Greece the bulk of our time will be spent in Thessaloniki. Scripture gives evidence that the Spirit of God worked in a remarkable way there through the trio of Paul, Silas, and Timothy -- even though they spent very little time in Thessalonica. I have been reading through 1 and ll Thessalonians preparing devotionals for our team. Pray for us -- pray with us -- that our limited time and opportunities will be anointed to make an eternal impact.

Philippi is also on our itinerary. Did you know that the church at Philippi was the only congregation to maintain faithful support of Paul's ministry throughout his entire life? It was of the believers at Philippi that Paul said, Everytime I think of you, I give thanks to God . . . you have a special place in my heart . . . I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Jesus Christ.

Paul closed out his second letter to the believers in Thessalonica with the following words, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.